lex talionis

American  

[leks tal-ee-oh-nis] / ˈlɛks ˌtæl iˈoʊ nɪs /

noun

1. the principle or law of retaliation that a punishment inflicted should correspond in degree and kind to the offense of the wrongdoer, as an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth; retributive justice.

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lex talionis British  

/ ˌtælɪˈəʊnɪs /

noun

1. the law of revenge or retaliation

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Etymology

Origin of lex talionis

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin lēx tāliōnis “law of talion” ( talion ( def. ) )

Example Sentences

Character of early, 30; lex talionis, 30; legal codes, 30–31 Legend-s.

From Myths and Legends of China by Werner, E. T. C. (Edward Theodore Chalmers)

If the lex talionis, in the same spirit of impartial jocularity, could be applied as efficaciously to all "practical jokers," civilised Society might soon be rid of one of its most intolerable pests.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 105, August 19th 1893 by Various

"Sár," here the Koranic word for carrying out the venerable and undying lex talionis the original basis of all criminal jurisprudence.

From The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 01 by Burton, Richard Francis, Sir

The lex talionis has no place in Christmas giving.

From A Little Book for Christmas by Brady, Cyrus Townsend

The general principle of the earlier forms of justice is the lex talionis, but the infliction of the penalty was mostly in the discretion of the avenger.

From Legal Lore Curiosities of Law and Lawyers by Various